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Living History/Authenticity Rules and Regulations
— Revised and Approved, April 2008

These rules will be used as the General Guidelines for this event. Any and all questions pertaining to any exceptions shall be addressed 2 weeks prior to arrival at the event site thru the office of Gen. Terry Crowder, Commanding.

The following are general living history authenticity standards for Brigade/Battalion/Squadron/Battery Commanders may supplement/strengthen/augment (but may not alleviate, obviate, or lessen) these standards as they see fit according to their impression and historical responsibilities.

Living History/Authenticity Rules and Regulations

The General principles for the Division / Brigades are established for western federal impressions, based on the historical data for the particular historical units the organization will be portraying. Battalion/Brigade organizations will disseminate particular unit impressions as authorized.

Individuals and units shall portray one of the approved impressions, for the purposes of:

Unit documentation and formation;
Individual clothing, uniforms, equipment, weapons, insignia, and personal items;
Flags and colors;
Camp furniture and layout;
Rank, insignia and Army organization;
Tactics and formations;
Living history.

Individuals and units should provide documentation on these, and other, aspects of their impression in order to demonstrate that they are following this definition. All references to “documentation” and “documented” mean that which has been approved for a particular event. 

The following are general minimum standards. Brigade/Battalion Commanders may supplement/strengthen/augment (but may not alleviate, obviate, or lessen) these guidelines as they see fit according to their impression and historical responsibilities.

Uniform and Personal Authenticity

All uniforms and equipment shall be of a type, material, fit, style and construction consistent with that of the time portrayed. The best efforts should be made to adapt the uniform impression for the particular event, but, a reasonable “generic” impression that is consistent with the event uniform guidelines is acceptable. Any “specialty” uniform (Zouave, highlander, marine, etc.) MUST have PRIOR WRITTEN approval from the Commanding General.

The minimum requirements for all branches of service are: appropriate headgear, uniform coat and trousers, and period footwear. Uniform jackets/blouses are to be worn AT ALL TIMES outside of company streets, to include parades, formations, AND battle scenarios, except when on fatigue (work) duty assignments. Battalion Commanders or higher may use their discretion in allowing jackets/coats to be bloused, worn “western style,” or removed completely due to weather or other serious considerations.

Modern footwear is prohibited, except in cases of medical necessity with PRIOR approval from the Battalion Commander or higher. The practice of “hiding” modern footwear underneath gaiters or spats is prohibited.

Modern eyewear is highly discouraged and, if not absolutely required for safety, may be prohibited during specific times (battles, photos, drills, public displays, etc). Colored lenses are prohibited except in cases of real medical necessity.

Any modern clothing/uniform parts, such as a wrist watch or modern jewelry must be removed or hidden while in period attire (uniform or civilian attire).

Body piercing that are not gender appropriate for the time period must be removed while in uniform/attire.  Inappropriate, offensive, or historically inaccurate, visible tattoos may be required to be covered, or, in the case where that is not possible, may preclude the individual from participation.

Exotic hair styles or colors must be covered or hidden as practicable; all outward appearances should conform as best as possible to the place and times circa 1860’s America .

For General events, the following are considerations. Specific considerations may be made depending on the event scenario:

Uniform: 

Uniform Coat (regulation federal or state issue frock as appropriate by branch of service and unit) –or- Fatigue Coat (4-button sack coat).

Sky-blue kersey trowsers (per branch of service)

Federal dark blue trowsers (allowed for officers)

Regulation issued wool shirt or appropriate civilian wool/cotton shirt

Headgear:

Regulation Forage cap or Hardee Hat or Civilian Hat  (NO unblocked hat blanks or exotic headgear)

Footwear:

Issue Bootee (“brogans”) –or- issued boots (per branch of service)

Wool or cotton socks

NO MODERN FOOTWEAR ALLOWED

Accoutrements:

Issue regulation leather belt w/ US or Eagle buckle (as appropriate)

Issue cap pouch, cartridge box strap & breastplate (Infantry)

Issue accoutrements as appropriate (Artillery & Cavalry)

Equipage:

Single-Bag, Double-Bag Knapsack -or- Blanket Roll (Infantry/Artillery)

Saddle/blanket rolls (Cavalry)

Issue canteen and haversack

Weapon Authenticity

Infantry units carry the long arms documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry 3-band muzzle-loading long arms (e.g., Pat tern 1853 Enfield , M1861 or M1863 Springfield, M1861 Special Contract Rifle Musket). Documentation must be provided, and acknowledged, before use of anything other than 3-band muzzle-loading long arms. 

Cavalry units carry carbines, or other shoulder arms, documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry muzzle-loading or breech-loading single-shot carbines (e.g., Sharps, Smith, Maynard, Burnside, etc.).  Documentation must be provided, and acknowledged, before use of anything other than single-shot carbines.

Artillery units carry shoulder arms on the field only if they have been documented for such use.  In camp, for provost duty, etc., field artillery units follow cavalry long arm authenticity rules, and heavy artillery units follow infantry long arm authenticity rules.

Members authorized to carry short arms (pistols/revolvers) carry those documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry Colt, Remington, or another Manufacturer’s revolver of a type consistent with the style and type available at the time circa 1860’s America . Documentation must be provided, and acknowledged, before use of anything other than a standard pistol or revolver.

Only General Staff officers, Infantry officers, Cavalry officers and troopers, and Artillery officers and designated artillerists are authorized to carry Short Arms. Infantry soldiers are specifically prohibited from carrying short arms in formation or into any engagement, drill or other activity.

“Hidden” pocket revolvers and alike are prohibited for use on the battlefield.

The use of shotguns or Henry rifles by any member is prohibited except by prior written approval by the Commanding General.

Members authorized to carry edged weapons (bayonets/swords/sabers) carry those documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry edged weapons of a type consistent with the style and type available at the time circa 1860’s America . Documentation must be provided, and acknowledged, before use of anything other than a standard edge weapon.

Only General Staff officers, Infantry officers and sergeants major, Cavalry officers and troopers, and Artillery officers are authorized to carry swords/sabers. Infantry soldiers are authorized to carry bayonets, but are specifically prohibited from carrying swords/sabers in formation or into any engagement, drill or other activity. Infantry Battalion Sergeant Majors may elect to carry the NCO sword instead of carrying a long arm, at the discretion of the Battalion commander.

All edged weapons will have a dulled edge and shall be carried in a properly designed scabbard.

Bayonets shall be standard triangular shape to be affixed over the muzzle of muskets. (Bayonets will only be drawn during inspections or stacking of arms, on the order of the unit commander).

Belt knives, daggers, Bowie knives, hatchets and alike are prohibited and will not be carried by any Federal participant in the field. Members carrying small pocket knives shall ensure they are properly secured (sheathed, folded) and placed in a closed compartment (saddle bag, haversack, knapsack, etc) when in formation.

The following are specific considerations:

Weapons:

For Infantry:

3-band Springfield or Enfield or Contract Musket

Except officers, pistols/revolvers are PROHIBITED

NO shotguns, Henry riles, carbines, 2-bands,

NO specialty arms w/o documentation AND prior written approval from the DIVISION.                                               

For Cavalry:

Carbines or other issued long arms per impression

Small Arms will be carried in regulation holsters or pommel holsters. NO Boot or belt pistols!

No shotguns, Henry, or specialty arms w/o documentation AND prior written approval from the DIVISION.

Artillery Authenticity

All Artillery pieces must conform to FFD safety guidelines, and must meet minimum standards of material and construction as required to determine that the piece is safe to operate.

All Artillery pieces (to include barrel AND carriage) shall be of the “field piece” type and must be of the type and size consistent with the types and sizes that the respective Armies had in use for the specific event/campaign in question.

“Specialty” pieces (Gatling guns, Siege guns, etc.) or “Mountain/Pack Howitzers” are strictly forbidden without proper historical documentation AND PRIOR WRITTEN approval from Command Authority.

“Sub-scale” or “non-standard” artillery pieces are not allowed within the Division at FFD events.

Artillery may be static or horse-driven, but each piece should include at least a limber, and each piece is required to have a lockable ammunition chest of an approved type, consistent with the materials and construction available during the time period portrayed.

Cavalry Authenticity

No loudly spotted or blanketed appaloosas, paints, or pintos, unless they can visually pass for a breed commonly in use by the armies during the Civil War. No stallions or ponies.

Saddles- The following are acceptable:

  • 1859 McClellan, with 1859 quarter straps and girth. No 1904 McClellan will be accepted with brown or black leather on the seat.
  • Officers’ saddles must be honest reproductions:
  • Grimsley
  • Texas "Jennifer"
  • 1833 Dragoon style
  • Ringold
  • Hopes (correction reproduction or reworked)
  • Correct civilian (for civilian impression)

Tack - The following are acceptable:

  • Period stirrups (NO 1904 iron stirrups)
  • Valise, 1859 saddlebags, true copy -CS saddlebags
  • Crupper
  • Proper period breast straps
  • Grey, red, or dragoon saddle blankets, any proper issue or civilian blanket of the period.
  • No modern Indian saddle blankets, yellow-trimmed Indian war blankets, or green blankets.
  • Proper 3 or 5 buckle cavalry or artillery pattern headstall.

Bridles- The following are acceptable:

  • Cavalry Model 1859 leather halter or watering bridle.
  • Leather or rope lead.
  • Proper link straps are required for cavalry to fight dismounted.
  • No modern bits or nickel reproductions will be tolerated.

Flag Authenticity

On the battlefield, the following flags may be flown:

For artillery units, one guidon or battery colors each;

For cavalry units, one guidon each;

For independent infantry battalions, one national and one regimental color each.  “Independent infantry battalion” means at least four infantry companies (with a minimum of 15 rifles each), with an infantry Battalion Commander, Sergeant Major, and right general guide. 

Flags must appear to be of documented design and materials, and are flown on staffs designed to be hand-held and carried into battle.

Modern Articles

Non-period articles are not permitted to be visible in the Army Camps during public hours.  After public hours, non-period articles affecting neighboring camps, such as modern lights, loud radios, etc. are not allowed during the event.

Members should make EVERY effort to minimize, if not eliminate, non-period items being present in the open at all times, in consideration of other members’ attempts to create a more authentic event experience.

Members not in period attire should have no expectation of enjoying the rights and privileges of Army soldiers in the camps or formations. (For example, if you are in modern clothes and hanging around camp all day, you will be asked to leave with the other members of the public or get into period attire)

Modern Vehicles

Modern, privately-owned vehicles (POV) are not allowed in the military camps, except under the following conditions:

  • Before the official start of the Event;
  • After the official conclusion of the Event;

Once an event has started and before it has ended, POVs may be allowed into the camps during public hours (typically daylight) ONLY for the following reasons:

  • In case of medical emergency;
  • To pick up an artillery piece and immediately move it to its required location (no parking of artillery trucks/trailers in the camps at ANY time)
  • POVs are NOT allowed in camp during public hours for unloading/loading of camp gear or personnel.

Before or after public hours (typically dusk to dawn), POVs may be allowed into the camps ONLY for the following reasons, and ONLY with the approval of the Division Field Officer of the Day or the Division Provost, with the consent of the Commanding General:

  • To unload/load gear, equipment, or animals for a member who has arrived late or is leaving early, and such approval shall only be for a brief period (15 minutes or so) to give the person ONLY enough time to load/unload. Members who are loading should have all of their gear packed and staged PRIOR to bringing their vehicle into camp, and members arriving late should off-load their vehicles and then move their vehicles to the designated parking PRIOR to fully unpacking/setting up, in order to minimize the time their vehicle is in the camp;
  • All persons needing POV camp access during the event MUST obtain a pass from the DIVISION headquarters BEFORE attempting to enter the camp area with their vehicle. Vehicles without a pass will be required to leave the camp area immediately and are subject to tow, and the owner may, at the General Staff’s discretion, be ejected from the Event.

The use of POVs as “shuttles”, “wagons” or such in the cantonment areas DURING an event is strictly prohibited. Only official event vehicles (medical vehicles, event staff vehicles, etc) will be allowed access into the camps unless prescribed herein.

Units that request/require closer access to their POVs should submit a written request to the Division Quartermaster, who MAY have the opportunity to place their camp on the perimeter of the cantonment for easier vehicular access. This may or may not be possible given the specific terrain/layout at any given event.

Camp Authenticity

“Taps” is sounded at midnight, or at another such time as designated by the Commanding General, during events, and “All Quiet” is maintained from that time until “Reveille” the next morning. 

Wall tents are not permitted, except for Army officers and the Army hospital corps, unless approved by the unit and the Division. At no time may there be more than (1) Wall tent per company street.

Sibley tents are not allowed in the military camps unless documented for use by the unit, and with PRIOR WRITTEN approval from the Division. 

Enlisted soldiers of ALL branches are authorized one wedge (“A”) tent or shelter tent (1 or 2 halves) each. Company level officers are authorized one wedge tent, or one wall tent, providing only one wall tent per company is used. The use of flies, she-bangs, awnings, and such is authorized within the judgment of the battalion commanders and subject to space requirements and other considerations.

Camp furniture (tables, chairs, boxes, etc) is authorized but should be limited, and every attempt should be made to appreciate the amount of space that would be available on the wagon trains of the respective armies of the times, and a closer attention to that paucity should guide the impression.

Cook fires/kitchens should be placed per battalion plans, and should be separated from tentage for safety. Water containers filled with water should be placed near each fire in case of emergency. In lieu of fire buckets, a suitable replacement (dirt pile, etc) is authorized.

Recruiting posters are displayed in the Army camps only if they are reproductions of original unit recruiting posters or broadsides, without alteration.  Modern recruiting posters are not to be openly displayed within the camps.

Military camps are for the lodging and supervision of military personnel. Only military soldiers and officers are authorized to stay in camps overnight or to make their “homes” within the cantonment area. The exceptions shall require PRIOR WRITTEN approval from the Division and may include:

  • Nurses attached to the Divisional Hospital (and camped therein);
  • Male Army-contract civilians portraying a specific impression (teamsters, sutlers);
  • Female contract civilians portraying cooks/laundresses & camping in approved areas;
  • Refugees who are part of a pre-approved scenario.

Children under the age requirements for army service in the field are not allowed to reside in the Army camps, except in extraordinary circumstances with the PRIOR WRITTEN approval of the Commanding General. Members with children should make arrangements for their supervision and billeting, in civilian town or places other than the military camps.

Garrison Camps

Garrison Camping (family) will be allowed in designated and specific area’s only and shall follow the authentic rules above pertaining to camp authenticity.

Gender Authenticity

Females portraying men in Army ranks are permitted if and only if they are reasonably recognized as men from a distance of 10 yards or more AND maintain the demeanor and portrayal of a male soldier at all times (hygiene and privacy issues notwithstanding).

Member units/organizations may require more rigid standards in regard to gender authenticity, but may NOT adopt lower standards than herein prescribed.